Alternative technologies to the traditional nixtamalization process: Review

Nixtamalization is a pre-Columbian process in which corn kernels are cooked in a calcium hydroxide solution. In the traditional nixtamalization process (TNP), corn kernels undergo physical and chemical changes that result in the quality properties of final food products. However, such method has som...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in food science & technology 2019-03, Vol.85, p.34-43
Main Authors: Ramírez-Araujo, Hugo, Gaytán-Martínez, M., Reyes-Vega, M.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative technology
Calcium
Calcium carbonate
Calcium chloride
Calcium hydroxide
Calcium sulfate
Corn
Corn flour
Corn tortilla
Effluents
Extrusion
Food production
Heating
Industrial applications
Kernels
Microwaves
Nixtamalization
Nutrients
Organic chemistry
Polluting effluents
Pollution control
Properties (attributes)
Quality management
Salts
Slaked lime
Ultrasound
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Summary:Nixtamalization is a pre-Columbian process in which corn kernels are cooked in a calcium hydroxide solution. In the traditional nixtamalization process (TNP), corn kernels undergo physical and chemical changes that result in the quality properties of final food products. However, such method has some disadvantages, especially the generation of a considerable volume of polluting effluents, the long time it requires, and a loss of nutrients. This paper reviews alternative processes aiming to solve those problems, weighing in their pros and cons, and their potential for industrial use. Some ecological methods have been developed replacing calcium hydroxide for other calcium salts (calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium chloride), thus reducing the polluting effect of effluents, while obtaining products with acceptable quality properties. Technology-based methods have also been adopted, involving the use of microwaves, ultrasound, extrusion, heating with low-shear transport, and ohmic heating. Just some of the methods mentioned have resulted in intermediate and final products with quality properties similar to those obtained through the TNP. •Most studies have focused on reducing the pollution of nixtamalization process (NP).•The technologies proposed to replace the NP have not been implemented industrially.•Low-cost and viable technologies must be developed to modernize the NP.
ISSN:0924-2244
1879-3053
DOI:10.1016/j.tifs.2018.12.007